The Black Feminist Project at the Bronx Library Center

On Saturday, September 14, the Bronx Library Center hosted the Black Feminist Project's 4th annual Not Just Talk: Black Womxn Matter convention. The event was attended by 100 patrons, who were treated to stimulating discussion panels on the state of feminism in 21st century United States, in general, and New York City, specifically. Attendees were also invited to participate in a healing session.

The Black Feminist Project director Tanya Fields kicked off the event recounting her struggles as a single mother in New York City and the strength she found in the black community's embracing arms. Additionally, Fields elaborated on the need for more women in public office, the Black Feminist Project's goal to begin work on public policy, and the existing feminist networks attendees can access for support and resources. The Black Feminst Project also shared the location of their urban farm on Simpson Street in the Bronx, where volunteers can help out, check out the "Bronx chicks," and even take home locally grown produce and eggs.

Black Lives Matter Cambridge coordinator DiDi Delgado delivered a stirring keynote address that opened with a feminist poem and then shifted focus to accessing social services, developing sisterhood networks, and the much-publicized 2018 arrest of Jazmine Headley at an HRA SNAP Center in Brooklyn. 

Perhaps the most engrossing aspect of the convention was the five-person discussion panel that featured experts on public policy, human rights, advocacy, and local governance. The panelists included New York City Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, New York City Commission on Human Rights Employment Opportunity Strategist Christelle Onwu, Safety Net Activist Leader Ebony Anderson, Activist Octavia Y. Lewis, and Elizabeth Adams of New York City councilman Stephen Levin's office. The panel got into the specific who, what, when, where, why, and how related to accessing public services and championing feminism in New York City.

The Bronx Library Center looks forward to partnering with the Black Feminist Project on future public programs and events!